SOURCE: AFI
In a statement that has stirred debate across South Asia’s defense circles, Air Marshal (Rtd) Masood Akhtar of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has told SUNO News HD that the J-35A, a fighter jet reportedly on offer to Pakistan, represents a quantum leap in air combat technology, categorizing it as a “5.5 generation” aircraft. This claim positions the J-35A as significantly superior to existing fifth-generation fighters in terms of capabilities.
Air Marshal Akhtar’s assertions come at a time when regional military dynamics are under intense scrutiny, particularly between India and Pakistan. He emphasized that the J-35A, touted by some sources as an evolution of China’s J-31 Gyrfalcon, incorporates advanced features that give it an edge in stealth, speed, and weapon systems integration over its contemporaries.
He further elaborated on Pakistan’s strategic acquisitions, stating, “The J-10CE, which we’ve already integrated into our fleet, outperforms the Indian Rafale in various aspects.” This comparison directly challenges the perceived superiority of the Dassault Rafale, which India has deployed to bolster its air force’s capabilities.
The retired Air Marshal’s comments suggest that the PAF is looking to fundamentally shift the balance of air power in South Asia. The J-35A, if acquired, would potentially be Pakistan’s first dual-engine fifth-generation fighter, adding considerable muscle to its aerial defense capabilities.
Many in India’s defense community have responded with skepticism to Akhtar’s statements, emphasizing that the Rafale’s combat-proven track record, along with its advanced avionics and sensor fusion, still make it a formidable aircraft. They argue that while the J-10CE is a capable machine, it does not match the Rafale’s multirole capabilities or its integration into a broader, NATO-compatible system.
There’s a cautious approach among international observers regarding the “5.5 generation” label for the J-35A. While acknowledging China’s rapid advancements in stealth technology, they note that true capabilities are often only revealed through operational use. The designation of aircraft generations is also a subject of debate, often more about marketing than strictly defined technological thresholds.
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